6 Cheapest Private Colleges Illinois

Most students struggle to secure a spot in a public institution. Sometimes, public colleges don’t offer subjects that interest students. That’s where private colleges can make your life easier. However, accreditation issues, quality of education, and high tuition costs might be holding you back.

Don’t worry! In this article, we have made a list of the cheapest private colleges that Illinois has to offer so you can decide which one is worth a shot.

6 Cheapest Private Colleges in Illinois

The cost of a college degree can deter many students from applying. Luckily, many affordable options in Illinois provide students with quality education at lower tuition rates. In addition, state grants and scholarships help you afford the state’s top private colleges. However, finding them can be challenging.

To save you the hassle, we have listed them.

1. #1

   Elmhurst University

   Elmhurst , IL

   #6 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #10 12 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $46K

   Acceptance

   74%

   Graduation

   64%

   Student body

   4K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1125/26

   Career Outlook for degree at Elmhurst University

   Cost of Degree: $41,628

   Expenses: $17,808

   Starting Salary: $67,398

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Overview of Elmhurst University

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 52%
   • Acceptance Rate: 76%
   • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   • Focus Areas: Psychology, Nursing, Business, and Biological Sciences

   What Do We Love About Elmhurst University? 

   Founded in 1871, Elmhurst University ranks 7th in Best Value Schools by US News. It offers 70+ majors. You can also earn special certifications in cybersecurity to stay current with the changing business trends.

   EU offers a more personalized educational experience, with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio facilitating a more direct interaction with the teachers. About 63% of classes at EU have less than 20 students. It also provides opportunities for students to study in 44 other countries under the Study Abroad programs.

   • Elmhurst University is great for students who: EU has 44% minority enrolment, making it an ideal destination for students who love diversity and interacting with people from varying backgrounds.
   • Elmhurst University might not be the best fit for those who: First-year students are required to live in shared residence halls for at least one year.

   Elmhurst University’s Online Degrees

   BS in Business Administration

   Degree Concentrations

   • Accounting
   • Finance
   • International Business
   • Management
   • Marketing
   • Logistics And Supply Chain Management

   • Required Credits: 39
   • Completion Time: 2-3 years

   BS in It

   Degree Concentrations

   • Computer Information Systems
   • Cybersecurity
   • Programming

   • Required Credits: 36

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2. #2

   Aurora University

   Aurora , IL

   #5 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2026 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #12 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW

   Tuition + fees

   $30K

   Acceptance

   81%

   Graduation

   61%

   Student body

   7K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1025/25

   Career Outlook for degree at Aurora University

   Cost of Degree: $28,220

   Expenses: $17,644

   Starting Salary: $64,180

   Cost Recoup Time: 13 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Overview of Aurora University

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 46%
   • Acceptance Rate: 86%
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Focus Areas: Athletic Training, Business Finance, Computer Technology, Criminal Justice, communication, and Marketing.

   What Do We Love About Aurora University? 

   Aurora University is known for its vibrant campus that opens doors to countless learning and networking opportunities for individuals. At AU, the 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio facilitates students in building meaningful connections with experts in the field.

   • Aurora University is great for students who: AU offers over 60 undergrad programs, making it a desirable option for students looking to pursue their specific interests without leaving the state.
   • Aurora University might not be the best fit for those who: AU isn’t among the top 300 national ranking universities. So, if you’re looking for reputed universities, then you can consider other options on the list.  

   Aurora University’s Online Degrees

   BA in Business Administration

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Business Management

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 Years
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Criminal Justice

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   BS in Cybersecurity

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in General Studies

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   BSW in Social Work

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Psychology

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Completion Time: 2-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

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3. #3

   St. Augustine College

   Chicago , IL

   Tuition + fees

   $13K

   Student body

   1K

   Overview of Saint Augustine College

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 8%
   • Acceptance Rate: 75%
   • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
   • Focus Areas: Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice

   What Do We Love About Saint Augustine College? 

   Saint Augustine College lies at 1st spot in Regional Colleges Midwest ranking for Social Mobility by the US News. This is the only college on the list that allows bilingual studies. They work on the motto of starting your studies in Spanish and ending them in English.

   • Saint Augustine College is great for students who: Saint Augustine College strongly emphasizes community building by bringing different ethnicities and genders together.
   • Saint Augustine College might not be the best fit for those who: Its graduation rate is a mere 8%, making it extremely competitive for students to finish their degrees.

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5. #4

   Northwestern University

   Evanston , IL

   #13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2026 #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2026 #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026 #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $71K

   Acceptance

   8%

   Graduation

   96%

   Student body

   27K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1540/34

   Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

   Cost of Degree: $65,997

   Expenses: $25,293

   Starting Salary: $104,255

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Overview of Northwestern University 

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 87%
   • Acceptance Rate: 7%
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Focus Areas: Analytics, Stochastic Analysis & Simulation, Financial Engineering, Logistics & Operations, and Healthcare Engineering.

   What Do We Love About Northwestern University?

   Northwestern University is one of Illinois’ leading private research universities, offering a diverse yet inclusive environment for everybody. Founded in 1851, it’s known to offer a wide array of academic programs, including bachelor’s, online master degrees, and doctoral degrees.

   • Northwestern University is great for students who: Wish to enjoy diverse academic programs. At NU, you can explore dual-degree programs or pursue a degree in over 70 subjects.
   • Northwestern University might not be the best fit for those who: A 7% acceptance rate indicates that securing a spot at Northwestern University might be super competitive for many.

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6. #5

   National Louis University

   Chicago , IL

   #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #6 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs 2026 #9 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2026 #11 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $13K

   Acceptance

   95%

   Graduation

   32%

   Student body

   13K

   Career Outlook for degree at National Louis University

   Cost of Degree: $14,601

   Starting Salary: $52,883

   Overview of National Louis University  

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 23%
   • Acceptance Rate: 92%
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Focus Areas: Education, Business & Psychology, Culinary Arts, Computer Science, and Hospitality Management.

   What Do We Love About National Louis University?

   National Louis University stands out as another solid choice for those seeking affordable undergraduate degrees. With an annual tuition cost of $12,333, it offers affordability and accessibility to students from every background. If you’re a military member, you can opt for their Community Heroes program for further reduction.

   • National Louis University is great for students who: NLU tends to favor those who have served the community and the country.
   • National Louis University might not be the best fit for those who: Lower graduation rates indicate that students with average academics might struggle to get a degree.  

   National Louis University’s Online Degrees

   BA in Business Administration

   • Required Credits: 120
   • Format: Fully online

   BS in Management

   • Format: Fully online

   BS in Computer Sciences

   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Criminal Justice

   • Format: Fully online

   BABS in Communications

   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Human Services

   • Format: Fully online

   BS in Healthcare Leadership

   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Psychology

   • Format: Fully online

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7. #6

   DePaul University

   Chicago , IL

   #2 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #15 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2026 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2026

   Tuition + fees

   $48K

   Acceptance

   76%

   Graduation

   67%

   Student body

   24K

   Median SAT/ACT

   1235/28

   Career Outlook for degree at DePaul University

   Cost of Degree: $44,174

   Expenses: $22,338

   Starting Salary: $75,602

   Cost Recoup Time: 15 years

   Paid back at 15% of annual salary

   Overview of DePaul University 

   • Financial Aid: Yes
   • Graduation Rate: 58%
   • Acceptance Rate: 70%
   • Accreditation: HLC
   • Focus Areas: Sales & Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Career Assessment & Planning, and Training & Development.

   What Do We Love About DePaul University? 

   Founded in 1898, DePaul University offers 170 graduate programs and 130 undergraduate majors. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, DPU is strongly committed to personalized education. So, you’re not just a face in the crowd here.

   On top of that, DePaul University crowns itself by providing scholarships to 98% of new students.

   • DePaul University is great for students who: Prefer to enjoy campus life. Its Chicago and Lincoln Park, Illinois campuses are great places to experience the vibrant urban vibe.
   • DePaul University might not be the best fit for those who: $43,665 annual tuition fee is pretty high, which may be financially challenging for many students who are short on budget.  

   DePaul University’s Online Degrees

   BA in Decision Analytics

   • Required Credits: 192
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Professional Studies

   Degree Concentrations

   • Computing

   • Required Credits: 192
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences

   • Required Credits: 192
   • Completion Time: 2 years

   BA in Leadership Studies

   • Required Credits: 192
   • Format: Fully online

   BA in Psychology

   • Required Credits: 192
   • Completion Time: 3-4 years
   • Format: Fully online

   More

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Related Questions

Do cheap colleges in Illinois offer high-quality education?

Yes. The value of a college degree doesn’t solely depend on the price tag, mainly because numerous factors contribute to the tuition fee. Most cheap colleges in Illinois are highly accredited, which means they offer top-notch education, irrespective of their fee.

How much will a college degree cost in Illinois?

Before stepping into college, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the average cost of attending a college in Illinois. Typically, public universities charge around $14,579 per year for in-state students, while out-of-state students can expect to pay approximately $28,660 annually.

Are there any hidden costs to attending a cheap private college in Illinois?

Yes, other costs may be associated with attending a private college in Illinois, such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Therefore, it’s best to research before deciding which college to attend.

Conclusion

While Illinois public universities often grab attention for their lower costs, the private colleges in Illinois are equally budget-friendly. However, don’t forget to consider other critical factors such as financial aid, accreditation, and graduation rates to make sure you make the right decision!